The first time we set up studio lights, we stood there for a good few minutes pretending we knew exactly what we were doing. We didn't. The equipment looked intimidating, the cables felt unfamiliar, and we were too embarrassed to admit we had no idea where to start.
If that sounds familiar, this is for you.
Setting up professional studio lighting is genuinely not as complicated as it looks — but only once someone walks you through it the first time. That's what this post is here to do.
Why studio lighting changes everything
Natural light is beautiful, but it has a mind of its own. It shifts with the clouds, fades by 4pm, and casts shadows exactly where you don't want them.
Studio lights give you something natural light never can — complete control. You decide how bright, how soft, which direction, and what mood. Once you understand how to use them, every shot becomes intentional rather than lucky.
What we have at Joie
At Studio Joie, we use the Godox AD600 — a powerful plug-in strobe that gives you consistent, professional-grade light without needing to understand complex settings from day one. Here's a plain-language breakdown of what's in the studio:
Your camera — bring whatever you shoot with. If you're using a Canon or Nikon, we have a compatible Godox XPro trigger ready for you. If you're on Sony, Fujifilm, or another system, please bring your own trigger that's compatible with your camera — just make sure it supports Godox.
2× Godox AD600 — your main light sources. These are the strobes that fire when you take a shot. Powerful, reliable, and adjustable from very soft to very bright.
Godox XPro trigger — sits on your camera's hot shoe and fires the lights wirelessly. No cables running across the floor.
60×90cm softbox — a rectangular modifier that softens the light into something flattering and directional. Great for full-body shots and product work.
90cm octabox — a rounder, larger modifier that wraps light around your subject more evenly. The go-to for portraits.
How to set it up, step by step
Set up the stand, then mount the AD600
Open the light stand and extend it to roughly head height. Slide the AD600 onto the mounting bracket at the top and tighten the knob until it feels secure — the strobe is heavier than it looks, so don't leave it loose. Position the stand roughly 45° to the side of where your subject will be, at around head height, angled slightly downward.
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Remove the cover, attach the softbox
Twist off the protective cover from the flash head to expose the bulb. Align the softbox speed ring with the head and twist to lock. Give it a gentle tug — if it holds, you're good to go.
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Mount the trigger, plug in then power on
Slide the Godox X2T trigger into your camera's hot shoe and tighten the locking wheel. Connect the power cable to a power point and flip the switch on the back of the AD600. Wait for the ready beep before firing — that sound means the strobe is ready to go. Make sure both the trigger and the AD600 are on the same channel — channel A is the default.
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Take a test shot and adjust
Turn the dial on the AD600 to set your starting power. We recommend beginning at 1/32 and adjusting from there — dial up if your image is too dark, dial down if it's blown out. You can also adjust power directly from the X2T without walking back to the light.
Fire a test frame and see what you get. Move the light closer for more intensity, further away for less. Angle it higher or lower to change where the shadow falls. There's no perfect setting to memorise. The best photographers work by feel, not formula.
The first setup always takes the longest. By your second session, it'll feel like second nature.
And if you get stuck at any point — we're here. Reach out before or during your session and we'll help you sort it out.
Ready to come in and try it for yourself?
Book a session at Studio Joie